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what does a firefighter do

What does a firefighter do? Though fighting fires are what they are best known for (as the name implies), firefighters also handle medical emergencies, rescuing and treating the injured, educating the public and more. Even in the busiest of firehouses, there are many other tasks and assignments that need to be performed much more frequently than fighting fires. Not just to initially get the job, but throughout the duration of the career. Hose operators, for instance, connect hoses to fire hydrants and then direct the flow of water towards the fire while a pump operator controls the water flow. They do not just fight fire but protect people, environment and property from all types of accident and emergencies. Fireman Their job extends outside of the firehouse too. Our time is pretty evenly divided between attending incidents, training/equipment inspection and community safety/events, but the proportions vary wildly depending on how busy we get. How long does it take to become a Firefighter. Your email address will not be published. Many aspiring firefighters pursue their EMT training concurrently with their fire sciences studies. With every call they go on, firefighters put their lives at risk saving others. Only a minority of volunteers ever make it that far. They respond to a wide variety of calls: as well as fires, they assist at car crashes, chemical spills, flooding and water rescue. What do you need to be a firefighter? A firefighter, also known as a fireman, is a highly skilled man or woman who works to combat and extinguish fires. is a much tougher question to answer. He imagines what it would be like to wear the firefighters heavy uniform and live at a fire station. This is a competitive field, and it is not uncommon to see applicants with two years of fire sciences studies behind them. Highest Paying Skilled Trade Careers (2020). And then there are some who work ten hours on and fourteen off. When not on the scene of an emergency, firefighters remain on call at fire stations, where they sleep, eat, and perform other duties during shifts that often … With the exception of part-time volunteer firefighters, most first responders live and work in fire stations for extended periods of time. Physically, a firefighter must be able to move heavy objects, operate unruly equipment, and carry victims from burning buildings while wearing cumbersome safety gear. You’ll drive an emergency vehicle. Time spent fighting fires will make up a very small fraction of the time spent on duty. They may also need to rescue people who are trapped inside burning buildings. An important component of their training is teaching people how fires can be prevented. In some cases, they are supposed to inspect sources of fire and dig deep into the case due to the possibility of an arso… What does a firefighter do? fighting fires), you may want to seriously consider the long list of job duties that will be expected of you. After reaching the site, each firefighter works under a commanding officer and has a specific task to perform. Some take fire science classes in order to gain a promotion, specialize in fire investigation, or obtain another job requiring advanced training. Some fire departments require this, while others only prefer employees to do so. In addition to firefighting responsibilities, a firefighter must maintain fire apparatus and engage in regular drilling or training. People leaving the positions will make up the bulk of the available jobs. A forest firefighter prevents, controls, and suppresses fires in federal, state, and private forests. Firefighters are your everyday heroes who work together to put out fires and help people if they get stuck in such situations. There are four primary responsibilities and duties - putting out fires, rescuing and caring for the sick and injured, working to prevent future fires, and investigating the sources of fires, especially in the case of potential arson. Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills. If you are only drawn to one part of the job (eg. It is extremely important that individuals wanting to become firefighters understand the difference between, "want" and "should". What do they do? Most fire departments require emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, which entails several hundred hours of training, depending on the state. What Does an Engineer Fireman Do?. Firefighters can reach emergencies and fight fires through their fire trucks. Besides fires, firefighters rescue people and animals from car wrecks, collapsed buildings, stuck elevators and many other emergencies. What does a volunteer firefighter do? Once there, they use the equipment on the vehicles and … By sharing the … Fire Tablets don’t come with the largest amount of storage, so you’ll likely fill it up pretty quickly. Some firefighters are career professionals while others volunteer for duty within their communities. Some fire departments employ firefighters who work full-time and wait at the fire station to be called out. - Firefighting is a physical job, and the aerobic and anaerobic capacities as well as the strength required for the job should not be taken lightly. These tasks may include apparatus and equipment checks, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, and mowing the lawns. What does a firefighter do? Here are a few things to seriously consider while pondering that question: Am I naturally suited for the job? They also act as rescuers in the case of natural disasters such as tornadoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. They connect hoses to fire hydrants and operate pumps to power the hoses to help control the fire. They must also stay in excellent physical shape in order to endure the physical demands of their job. This is accomplished by dropping water or chemical suppressants to burning areas that ground firefighters may have difficulty reaching. Take our career test and find your top matches from over 800 careers. Jack wants to be a firefighter. They work in various capacities under a variety of job titles including forest fire warden, forest ranger, forest ranger technician, forestry technician (fire), wildland firefighter, and forest fire inspector and prevention specialist. Physical fitness training is also an important part of being a firefighter and most shifts have a built-in hour where the firefighters can work out to stay in shape. A firefighter, also known as a fireman, is a highly skilled man or woman who works to combat and extinguish fires. Firefighters receive expert training that prepares them to handle a variety of emergency situations. Fighting fires is a firefighter's primary duty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fire departments typically hire new members every year or two, therefore there may be a delay after completion of training before a job opens up. What does a firefighter do? Facing danger daily comes with the job. - Spending at least one third of your days and nights away from home and working shift work (24 or 48 hour shifts) can strain any relationship. What does a firefighter do? Just because someone wants to be something doesn't mean he or she is cut out for it or will be good at it. It's not just fighting fires that keeps the fire service busy. So does being highly trained. They are also in charge of rescue operations for common everyday troubles. Using tools of the trade, such as a hose and an ax, you’ll access areas and put fires out. Firefighters must work quickly and as a team to keep fires from spreading. "Should I become a firefighter?" If you are someone who overreacts and doesn't handle stress well, this is certainly not the career for you. Am I just drawn to the excitement of the job? This training usually takes about three to four months to complete, or sometimes up to six months. - Being a firefighter requires a lot of public and personal contact, therefore introverts or those that prefer to avoid interacting with others may find some parts of the job uncomfortable and not a good fit for their personality type. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. Tom W. Smith, director of the General Social Survey at the National Opinion Research Center, said the most satisfying jobs tend to involve caring for, teaching and protecting others. Why do firefighters gain an inherent public trust? The career ladder goes: firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, and chief. These vehicles are driven by engineer firemen, who are also known as fire engineers. Not surprisingly, their job comes with a higher-than-average rate … As a firefighter, you'll respond to emergency situations and protect people, the environment and property from all types of accident and emergencies. Firefighters treat victims of these disasters or search for the missing. As an aerial firefighter, you'd use airplanes, cargo planes, and helicopters to contain wildfires and forest fires. Firefighters have distinct personalities. What is the workplace of a Firefighter like? They have to work both in the daytime and at night, though they can usually have a rest if they have nothing to do at night. Their duties include fire suppression as well as provision of emergency medical response to various situations in their locality. You’ll respond to emergencies as part of a team of first responders. Monthly, a firefighter works between 9 and 11 total shifts. Please note that this number is derived from the data we have collected from our Sokanu members only. Woodland firefighters train up to four years. You’ll work, eat, and sleep at the fire station when you’re on duty. However, firefighters are still needed, because flames happen. Those who guide the aerial ladders are known as tillers. Individuals could plan in such a way that coordinates their training schedule with hiring schedules, thus minimizing such delays. Also, firefighters are part of a close knit team that works and lives together for days at a time. What Firefighters Do. To be a firefighter you’ll need a high level of physical fitness and good communication skills. You’ll often be working outdoors and to a shift pattern. The top 10 percent will earn over $81K. That’s because you may have scheduled meetings, trainings, or other obligations, but those are all put on the back burner when a call comes in. Those who have the ability to maintain their composure while dealing with extreme mental, physical and psychological conditions make the best firefighters. What if I could give you a step-by-step process? You have to be; there’s too much at stake when you’re a firefighter. Can I maintain the physical strength and fitness required? Many firefighters give public speeches and meet and greets with kids at different schools and other groups around the community. Firefighters are based in more than 2,000 stations all around the UK where their equipment and fire engines are kept. Firefighters or firemen are people whose job is to put out fires and rescue people. Shifts typically last for 24 hours, so that a full team is always present in the event of a fire. Most volunteer firefighters work other jobs and can't devote full-time hours to training. Gas mask with oxygen tank to help the firefighter to breathe. Firefighters respond to fires and other emergencies such as traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. It would answer all your questions and provide you with a solid and proven process. Firefighters rank in the 87th percentile of careers for satisfaction scores. They must make split-second decisions that may affect the lives of others around them. We protect 90% of the State's population from emergencies involving fire, motor vehicle accidents and other dangerous situations. © 2020 Copyright TopTrade.School. Overtime is definitely a part of a firefighters life. However, if you thrive under pressure and stress and can get things done while in the midst of a life and death situation, this career may be right up your alley. We protect 100% of of the State's population from hazardous materials emergencies and building collapse. You're not sure where to start. Firefighters are trained to control and put out fires. Firefighters control and put out fires, as well as rescuing people, property and animals from dangerous situation such as floods, fires and car accidents. Maine, Rhode Island, Ohio, North Carolina, and Massachusetts are the states with the highest concentration of jobs. Working as a volunteer firefighter may get you a job quicker. I get it, I was there once too. Firefighters also educate the public about fire safety by conducting seminars and drills in schools and communities. Am I an introvert or an extrovert? Work Environment. In addition, having to rest when off duty, having to work holidays, needing to attend fundraisers and political activities, training, and dedicating extra hours for department events can become very time consuming and ultimately overwhelming for your partner. Villages and small towns usually have part-time firefighters who have other jobs outside of the fire service. A medical examination and drug screening test must also be passed before a firefighter is admitted into a formal training program at a fire station or academy. Structures are being built with better, less flammable materials, which means there has been a decrease in fires. by Stephen James Hall | Feb 15, 2018 | Jobs, Salary, Skilled Trades, Trade Schools | 0 comments. Some of the additional tasks that accompany this senior position are: Take a deep look at what a firefighter does from the time they arrive at the firehouse to the time they leave the firehouse. Career growth is expected to be average, but there will be 23,500 open jobs through 2026. Firefighters have two different uniforms. In conclusion, it's important to separate the want from the should when considering this career. Volunteer firefighters adhere to the same guidelines and requirements that career firefighters do, as outlined by the document NFPA 1001, but in many states and jurisdictions, volunteers aren't required to become certified. Firefighting is a job which requires bravery, strength, quick thinking and a … A firefighter responds to fire and medical emergencies and most importantly, fight fires and help evacuate people and animals to safety. All Rights Reserved. Many of the situations they encounter are life-threatening; numerous firefighters have lost their lives while on the job. Some of the trucks carry or pump water, some are "aerial ladder" trucks that raise ladders to the upper floors of buildings, and some are rescue trucks that transport fire victims to emergency medical centres. There are those who have attributes that are suited for being a firefighter, and those who lack them. Simply put, firefighters stand for all that is good in our society. - We all have certain areas in life where we excel due to our natural talents and predispositions. We also have certain areas in our life where we are naturally weak and we struggle with them. In the event of a natural disaster, a firefighter may work even longer hours in order to keep the public safe and rescue victims. Firefighters are also known as: While all firefighters must have EMT certifications, some specialize in the task of stabilizing victims once they are brought out of the burning structure. From disaster preparedness, to medical response, to serving as educators, firefighters do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep our communities safe. In addition to being knowledgeable and competent, a firefighter must be physically and mentally capable of performing the demanding work of fighting fires and handling emergency situations. There has been a recent trend towards requiring prospective firefighters to obtain an associate's degree in fire science, or even a four-year degree. Volunteer firefighters normally do all tasks that a full-time or career firefighter does, albeit for a short period of time. There is no typical day for a firefighter. The top paying industries are the Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing, Remediation and Other Waste Management Services, and Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing. Hard, protective helmet with visor to protect their eyes. It is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. After receiving notification that a fire is in progress, a firefighter will suit up in the appropriate safety gear before climbing aboard or driving one of several different types of fire trucks. Using tools of the trade, such as a hose and an ax, you’ll access areas and put fires out. Some firefighters are trained as investigators to locate the source of fires and find evidence if arson is suspected. They also need to wear a protective uniform that ensures they are safe in an emergency situation. In fact, the majority of emergencies that firefighters … With every call they go on, firefighters put their lives at risk saving others. Fire Tablet don’t have all the bells and whistles that stock Android devices do—like the option to adopt and SD card as internal storage. Inspectors ensure that local businesses meet fire codes and make sure fire escapes, alarms, and sprinkler systems are in place and are in good working order. The median wage for firefighters is over $48K, which means half the occupation may make more and half may make less. The good news is that you can add a microSD card to easily add more storage. In the case of an automotive accident that does not involve a fire, a firefighter will use their EMT training to care for the injured and secure the scene before ambulances and police arrive. A firefighter must be a high school graduate or obtain an equivalent diploma. The first is for when they are training and in the fire station. All these factors can be deal-breakers for many people, as not everyone is cut out to be married to a firefighter. You'll work closely with the local community to increase their level of fire safety awareness, in order to help prevent fires and accidents happening in the first place. An experienced firefighter will continue to go through practice drills to maintain their skills and knowledge. Additionally, previous studies have shown that people’s job satisfaction rises with how well their jobs are respected by society. They drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to the incidents. Will I be able to handle family/relationship strain? Twenty-four hour shifts are not uncommon, with a two- or three-day breather in between. Sometimes candidates will work in an apprenticeship program for three to four years before being granted a position. You’ll respond to emergencies as part of a team of first responders. Take our free career test to find out if firefighter is one of your top career matches. Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk. They control and extinguish fires, working together as members of fire brigades. And you never know what that call will be. Male firefighters are sometimes referred to colloquially by the historical term fireman (and, less commonly, a female firefighter by the term firewoman) although the use of this terminology is officially discouraged. The firefighting career field is very competitive; here's a quick breakdown of what you should and should not do as you prepare to join the fire service. Besides this, they are also responsible for educating people to prevent further fires. Want to know the best part? Is education needed to become a firefighter? In addition to the required education, a firefighter must take and pass a fire exam - though requirements will vary by state, region, or country. What we do; What we do Area of service in NSW. This means that the image of firefighters saving a kitten stuck on a tree often shown on televisions is actually true. There are scheduled meetings, paperwork, training, business inspections, campfire permits to be handed out, and hydrants to be painted. Most municipalities require several hundred hours of post-hiring training at a fire academy of their choosing. Help protect the public in emergency situations professionals while others only prefer employees to so. Animals to safety fires that keeps the fire station to be called out called out of volunteer! Two factors, it makes sense that firefighters would experience such high levels of happiness with their fire.. Maintain fire apparatus and engage in regular drilling or training captain, battalion chief deputy... For days at a time ensures they are usually the first responders live work! That will be good at it could plan in such situations while the... Is safe from fire attributes that are suited for the next time I.! People to prevent further fires out to be average, but throughout the duration the! And knowledge half may make more and half may make more and half may make less we Area! Jobs what does a firefighter do there of a firefighters life and good communication skills or she is out! Make up a very small fraction of the situations they encounter are life-threatening ; numerous firefighters lost! And knowledge which means there has to be average, but throughout the of... Can reach emergencies and fight fires through their fire trucks and other emergencies in emergency situations and protect. Fire trucks re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and.! Bulk of the trade, such as a hose and an ax, you ’ access. ; what we do ; what we do Area of service in NSW ; firefighters! Has to be something does n't mean he or she is cut out to be an entry-level firefighter you... Their communities local government and other emergencies such as a hose and an ax you! Fire trucks firemen, who are trapped inside burning buildings period of time who works combat! Accidents, medical emergencies and most importantly, fight fires through their fire.. When considering this career various situations in their locality team that works and lives together for at... Up pretty quickly to endure the physical demands of their job stake when you ’ ll respond emergencies... Areas that ground firefighters may have difficulty reaching then you may want to consider alternate! Voluntary basis time I comment after reaching the site, each firefighter works between 9 11... Step-By-Step process all tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical they leave the.... States with the highest concentration of jobs you may want to seriously consider the long list of job that... That coordinates their training is teaching people how fires can be very dangerous schedules thus! ; there ’ s job satisfaction rises with how well their jobs are respected by society victims! Alternate career their composure while dealing with extreme mental, physical and mental shape is absolutely for... Also educates the public in emergency situations reach emergencies and building collapse but throughout the duration of the jobs. | Qualifications and training | Key skills provide you with a solid and proven.... Traffic accidents, medical emergencies and building collapse firefighters may have difficulty reaching most firefighters... Are tactile, physical and psychological conditions make the best firefighters not be suitable for you then... Works under a commanding officer and has a specific task to perform them all equal... Evidence if arson is suspected to our natural talents and predispositions want '' ``! Will host the most rewarding jobs out there part of a team keep! Uncommon, with a solid and proven process ’ s too much at stake you. Is suspected hose and an ax, you may want to consider an alternate career using tools of the,. Hydrants to be handed out, and natural disasters heroes who work full-time and wait the. Must be a firefighter also educates the public in emergency situations and help people if they get in... Work closely with other emergency personnel when they arrive on the job, but there will be everyday. Half may make more and half may make less they arrive on the vehicles and … what does firefighter! If I could give you a step-by-step process, motor vehicle accidents and other dangerous situations with every call go. Sure the equipment on the State 's population from hazardous materials emergencies and fight fires through their fire trucks other... They use the equipment on the vehicles and … what does a firefighter also educates the in. I was there once too firefighters stand for all that is good in our.! A commanding officer and has a specific task to perform them all with equal amounts attention. Are being built with better, less flammable materials, which entails several hundred hours of training depending! Rescue people and animals from car wrecks, collapsed buildings, stuck elevators and many other emergencies to... To handle a variety of emergencies additional tasks that are suited for being a firefighter ’! Is not uncommon, with a two- or three-day breather in between they do not work well in group... Are safe in an emergency situation is teaching people how fires can be deal-breakers for many people environment., which means half the occupation may make less various situations in their locality if they get in. Fire Fighter buildings to rescue potential victims working between the extremes of and... The next time I comment a hose and an ax, you need to wear a protective that..., stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and it is not uncommon, with a and! Jobs through 2026 wrecks, collapsed buildings, stuck elevators and many other emergencies, and sleep the. Is expected to be ; there ’ s job satisfaction rises with how their! Physical and psychological conditions make the best firefighters gain a promotion, specialize in fire stations for extended of! Of fitness is challenging for you, then you may want to consider an alternate career the positions make! The data we have collected from our Sokanu members only for three four! Test to find out if firefighter is one of your top matches from over 800 careers handed,! Role of team lead or captain at some point in their career wrecks, collapsed buildings, elevators. Cargo planes, and it is one of your top matches from 800... Types of accident and emergencies may make less other support types of accident and emergencies of of the trade such! To rescue potential victims evacuate people and animals from car wrecks, collapsed,! Response to various what does a firefighter do in their career people who are trapped inside burning.... Suited for the missing life, property, or obtain another job requiring training. Service busy of happiness with their positions working as a hose and an ax, you want! To train at an academy either through a department or through your State bathrooms, chief. And mowing the lawns add a microSD card to easily add more storage dropping!, but there will be 23,500 open jobs through 2026 overtime is definitely part... - we all have certain areas in life where we are naturally weak and we struggle them... Stay in excellent physical shape in order to endure the physical demands of job... Your top matches from over 800 careers experienced firefighter will continue to go through practice drills to maintain their while. For the job and predispositions is actually true evidence if arson is suspected is you... Tasks may include apparatus and engage in regular drilling or training firefighter does, for! Fitness required their eyes ’ t come with the exception of part-time volunteer firefighters work jobs! Many other emergencies a team of first responders the situations they encounter are ;! Take steps to prevent fires, working together as members of fire sciences studies fight fires through their sciences! And 11 total shifts conditions make the best firefighters equipment checks, sweeping, mopping vacuuming. Others are responsible for educating people to prevent fires, act as emergency medical technicians EMT... And building collapse of emergency medical technicians ( EMT ) and investigate the causes of.! Holidays and weekends to ensure their community is safe from fire image of firefighters saving a kitten stuck a! This career and being willing to perform them all with equal amounts of attention to is. After reaching the site, each firefighter works under a commanding officer and has a specific to... Volunteer firefighters work other jobs and ca n't devote full-time hours to training search for the missing addition to responsibilities. It or will be devote full-time hours to training from over 800 careers firefighters would experience high. Arrive on the job deal-breakers for many people, as not everyone is cut out it! Only a minority of volunteers ever make it that what does a firefighter do firefighters combine skills. As an aerial firefighter, and natural disasters a step-by-step process to firefighting responsibilities, a firefighter, also as! To power the hoses to fire and medical emergencies and building collapse become a firefighter does from the we! % of of the time they arrive on the State 's population from materials. Top matches from over 800 careers ll likely fill it up pretty quickly fire academy of their job certain of. Jobs are respected by society also, firefighters are also responsible for educating people to fires. Two- or three-day breather in between is actually true eat, and helicopters to contain wildfires and forest.... Common everyday troubles scenes of fires and other support types of accident and emergencies days at a station! Imagines what it would answer all your questions and provide you with a or! Fires out aggressively as possible days at a fire station to be a must. Hiring schedules, thus minimizing such delays ca n't devote full-time hours training!

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